SIMULATION ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF STEAM REFORMING PROCESS FOR ALARGE-SCALE AMMONIA PLANT

The present paper shows how the Schuster-Schwarzschild method develope d originally in astrophysics can be adopted to simulate the performanc e of the primary reforming Furnace in an ammonia plant. This method fa cilitates the simulation of heat transfer and reaction in the Furnace and improves the computational efficiency. Simulation analysis is carr ied out to find ways of saving energy. Appropriate reduction in fuel g as loading and partially shifting of the reforming load from the prima ry to the secondary reformer by regulating the operating conditions ca n result in substantial energy saving. Optimization calculations with various objective functions and constraints required are performed. Th e optimization results may serve as guideline for plant operation and control.